Tensioning system for article of footwear

ABSTRACT

An article of footwear includes an upper and cable routed along the upper and operable between a tightened state and a loosened state. A first strap includes a first plurality of bands each extending from a first end attached at a first side of the upper to a second end attached to a portion the cable on a second side of the upper. A second strap includes a second plurality of bands each extending from a first end attached at the second side of the upper to a second end attached to another portion of the cable on the first side of the upper. The first plurality of bands of the first strap are interweaved with the second plurality of bands of the second strap and are operable to move through the second plurality of bands when the cable is moved between the tightened state and the loosened state.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S.Provisional Application 63/015,710, filed on Apr. 27, 2020. Thedisclosure of this prior application is considered part of thedisclosure of this application and is hereby incorporated by referencein its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to articles of footwear havinga dynamic lacing system for moving footwear between a tightened stateand a loosened state.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Articles of footwear conventionally include an upper and a solestructure. The upper may be formed from any suitable material(s) toreceive, secure and support a foot on the sole structure. A bottomportion of the upper, proximate to a bottom surface of the foot,attaches to the sole structure. Sole structures generally include alayered arrangement extending between an outsole providingabrasion-resistance and traction with a ground surface and a midsoledisposed between the outsole and the upper for providing cushioning forthe foot.

The upper may cooperate with laces, straps, or other fasteners to adjustthe fit of the upper around the foot. For instance, laces may betightened to close the upper around the foot and tied once a desired fitof the upper around the foot is attained. Care is required to ensurethat the upper is not too loose or too tight around the foot each timethe laces are tied. Moreover, the laces may loosen or become untiedduring wear of the footwear. While fasteners such as hook and loopfasteners are easier and quicker to operate than traditional laces,these fasteners have a propensity to wear out over time and require moreattention to attain a desired tension when securing the upper to thefoot.

Known automated tightening systems typically include a tighteningmechanism, such as a rotatable knob, that can be manipulated to applytension to one or more cables that interact with the upper for closingthe upper around a foot. While these automated tightening systems canincrementally increase the magnitude of tension of the one or morecables to achieve a desired fit of the upper around a foot, they requirea time-consuming task of manipulating the tightening mechanism toproperly tension the cables for securing the upper around the foot.Further, when it is desired to remove the footwear from the foot, thewearer is required to simultaneously depress a release mechanism andpull the upper away from the foot to release the tension of the cables.Additionally, conventional automated tightening systems provide aconstant tensioning along the lengths of the one or more cables, wherebyrotation of the rotatable knob causes the entire cable to be tighteneduniformly. In instances where it may be desirable to tighten a firstregion of the upper more than a second region of the upper, additionalcables and tightening mechanisms must be incorporated and controlledseparately.

Thus, known automated tightening systems lack suitable provisions forboth quickly and variably adjusting the tension of cables to close anupper around a foot and do not allow a wearer to quickly release thetension applied to the cables so that the upper can be quickly loosenedfor removing the footwear from the foot. Moreover, the tighteningmechanism employed by these known automated tightening systems isrequired to be incorporated onto an exterior of the upper so that thetightening mechanism is accessible to the wearer for adjusting the fitof the upper around the foot, thereby detracting from the generalappearance and aesthetics of the footwear.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of an article of footwear including atensioning system in accordance with principles of the presentdisclosure, where the tensioning system is shown in a loosened state;

FIG. 1B is a top perspective view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1A,where the tensioning system is shown in a tightened state;

FIG. 2 is a lateral-side perspective view of the article of footwear ofFIG. 1A;

FIG. 3 is a medial-side perspective view of the article of footwear ofFIG. 1A;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of an article of footwear including atensioning system in accordance with principles of the presentdisclosure, where the tensioning system is shown in a loosened state;

FIG. 5B is a top perspective view of the article of footwear of FIG. 5A,where the tensioning system is shown in a tightened state;

FIG. 6 is a lateral-side perspective view of the article of footwear ofFIG. 5A;

FIG. 7 is a medial-side perspective view of the article of footwear ofFIG. 5A;

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the article of footwear of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 9A is a top perspective view of an article of footwear including atensioning system in accordance with principles of the presentdisclosure, where the tensioning system is shown in a loosened state;

FIG. 9B is a top perspective view of the article of footwear of FIG. 9A,where the tensioning system is shown in a tightened state;

FIG. 10 is a lateral-side perspective view of the article of footwear ofFIG. 9A;

FIG. 11 is a medial-side perspective view of the article of footwear ofFIG. 9A;

FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the article of footwear of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an example of a tensioning deviceaccording to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the tensioning device of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a top view of the tensioning device of FIG. 13, showing ahousing having a lid removed to expose a locking member slidablydisposed within the housing when the locking member is in a lockedposition;

FIG. 16 is a top view of the locking device of FIG. 13, showing ahousing having a lid removed to expose a locking member slidablydisposed within the housing when the locking member is in an unlockedposition;

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of a tensioning device in accordance withthe principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the tensioning device of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a top view of the tensioning device of FIG. 17, whereinternal components of the tensioning device are hidden to show aconstruction of a housing of the tensioning device;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the tensioning device of FIG.17, showing the tensioning device in a locked position;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the tensioning device of FIG.17, showing the tensioning device in an unlocked position;

FIG. 22 is a schematic view of components of a motorized lacing systemfor an article of footwear according to the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 23 is an exploded view of an example of a lacing engine of themotorized lacing system of FIG. 22;

FIGS. 24A and 24B are perspective view of another example of a lacingengine of the motorized lacing system of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25A is a perspective view of another example of a lacing engine ofthe motorized lacing system of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25B is a top plan view of the lacing engine of FIG. 25A; and

FIG. 26 is an exploded view of components of a motorized lacing systemincorporated into a sole structure of article of footwear according theprinciples of the present disclosure.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example configurations will now be described more fully with referenceto the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scopeof the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specificdetails are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices,and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations ofthe present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art that specific details need not be employed, that exampleconfigurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that thespecific details and the example configurations should not be construedto limit the scope of the disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. Asused herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intendedto include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,”and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence offeatures, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The methodsteps, processes, and operations described herein are not to beconstrued as necessarily requiring their performance in the particularorder discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as anorder of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,”“connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer,it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to theother element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may bepresent. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directlyon,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attachedto,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be nointervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe therelationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion(e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directlyadjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and allcombinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describevarious elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. Theseelements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not belimited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish oneelement, component, region, layer or section from another region, layeror section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical termsdo not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by thecontext. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or sectiondiscussed below could be termed a second element, component, region,layer or section without departing from the teachings of the exampleconfigurations.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, an example of an article of footwear 10including a system providing for variable tension is disclosed. In someimplementations, the article of footwear 10 includes an upper 100 and asole structure 200 attached to the upper 100. The article of footwear 10further includes a tensioning system 300 and a tensioning device 400each integrated into at least one of the upper 100 and the solestructure 200. The tensioning system 300 includes a cable 302 and aseries of cable routing elements 304, 306, 308 configured to manage thetension of the upper 100. The upper 100, the tensioning system 300, andthe tensioning device 400 cooperate to move the article of footwear 10between a relaxed state and a tightened state. Particularly, the cable302 is movable in a tightening direction D_(T) to move the article offootwear 10 into the tightened state. In some implementations, the upper100 and the sole structure 200 cooperate to provide passages and guidesfor routing portions of the cable 302 through the tensioning device 400.The tensioning device 400 is configured to selectively move and securethe cable 302 in the tightened state.

The article of footwear 10, and components thereof, may be described asincluding an anterior end 12 associated with a forward-most point of thefootwear 10, and a posterior end 14 corresponding to a rearward-mostpoint of the footwear 10. As shown in the bottom view of FIG. 4, alongitudinal axis A₁₀ of the footwear 10 extends along a length of thefootwear 10 from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14, andgenerally divides the footwear 10 into a lateral side 16 and a medialside 18. Accordingly, the lateral side 16 and the medial side 18respectively correspond with opposite sides of the footwear 10 andextend from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14.

The article of footwear 10 may be divided into one or more regions alongthe longitudinal axis A₁₀. The regions may include a forefoot region 20,a mid-foot region 22, and a heel region 24. The forefoot region 20 maycorrespond with toes and joints connecting metatarsal bones with phalanxbones of a foot. The mid-foot region 22 may correspond with an arch areaof the foot, and the heel region 24 may correspond with rear regions ofthe foot, including a calcaneus bone.

The upper 100 forms an enclosure having a plurality of components thatcooperate to define an interior void 102 and an ankle opening 104, whichcooperate to receive and secure a foot for support on the sole structure200. For example, the upper 100 includes a pair of quarter panels 106 inthe mid-foot region 22 on opposite sides of the interior void 102. Athroat 108 extends across the top of the upper 100 and defines an instepregion extending between the quarter panels 106 from the ankle opening104 to the forefoot region 20. In the illustrated example, the throat108 is enclosed with a material panel extending between the opposingquarter panels in the instep region to cover the interior void 102.Here, the material panel covering the throat 108 may be formed of amaterial having a higher modulus of elasticity than the material formingthe quarter panels 106.

The upper 100 of the article of footwear 10 may be further described asincluding heel side panels 110 extending through the heel region 24along the lateral and medial sides 16, 18 of the ankle opening 104. Aheel counter 112 wraps around the posterior end 14 of the footwear 10and connects the heel side panels 110. Uppermost edges of the throat108, the heel side panels 110, and the heel counter 112 cooperate toform a collar 114, which defines the ankle opening 104 of the interiorvoid 102.

The upper 100 may be formed from one or more materials that are stitchedor adhesively bonded together to define the interior void 102. Suitablematerials of the upper 100 may include, but are not limited to,textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The example upper 100may be formed from a combination of one or more substantially inelasticor non-stretchable materials and one or more substantially elastic orstretchable materials disposed in different regions of the upper 100 tofacilitate movement of the article of footwear 10 between the tightenedstate and the loosened state. The one or more elastic materials mayinclude any combination of one or more elastic fabrics such as, withoutlimitation, spandex, elastane, rubber or neoprene. The one or moreinelastic materials may include any combination of one or more ofthermoplastic polyurethanes, nylon, leather, vinyl, or anothermaterial/fabric that does not impart properties of elasticity.

As provided above, the sole structure 200 is attached to the upper 100and defines a ground-engaging surface 26 of the footwear 10. The solestructure 200 includes a top surface 202 and a bottom surface 204 formedon an opposite side of the sole structure 200 from the top surface 202.The bottom surface 204 of the sole structure 200 may define theground-engaging surface 26 of the footwear 10. The sole structure 200further includes a peripheral side surface 206 extending between the topsurface 202 and the bottom surface 204, such that the peripheral sidesurface 206 defines an outer perimeter of the sole structure 200. Thesole structure 200 extends continuously from a first end 208 at theanterior end 12 of the footwear 10 to a second end 210 at the posteriorend 14 of the footwear 10.

The sole structure 200 may also include one or more engagement features212 formed on the peripheral side surface 206. In the illustratedexample, the sole structure 200 includes an arcuate lip 212 extendingfrom the second end 210 of the sole structure 200. Here, the lip 212extends along an arcuate path and forms a concave upper surfaceconfigured to receive an anterior end 12 of another one of the articlesof footwear 10. Thus, the anterior end 12 of a first article of footwear10 can be engaged with the lip 212 of a second article of footwear 10 tofacilitate removal of the second article of footwear 10. Particularly,the posterior end 14 of the second article of footwear 10 may be helddown at the lip 212 so that a user can step out of the article offootwear 10. Alternatively, a bare foot or hand of the wearer may beused to pull the article of footwear 10 from the foot using the lip 212.

As referred to throughout the application and the accompanying claims,the sole structure 200 and the upper 100 define a ‘bite line’ 28 wherethe peripheral side surface 206 and the upper 100 intersect when thefootwear 10 is assembled. The bite line 28 can extend along the footwear10 entirely from the first end 208 to the second end 210 on either orboth of the lateral side and the medial side, and can also extend aroundthe first end 208, the second end 210, or both.

The sole structure 200 is configured to receive the tensioning device400 and a portion of the tensioning system 300, and may include one ormore cavities or conduits formed therein. In the illustrated example,the sole structure 200 includes an aperture or cavity 214 formed betweenthe top surface 202 and the bottom surface 204. The cavity 214 isconfigured to receive the tensioning device 400 within the solestructure 200. In some examples, the tensioning device 400 may beencapsulated within the sole structure 200.

As introduced above, a pair of interweaved straps 116, 118 may beattached to the upper 100, which are operable for moving the upper 100between a relaxed or loosened state (FIGS. 1A 5A), and a constricted ortightened state (FIGS. 1B and 5B). While described here as being part ofthe upper 100, the straps 116, 118 may also be described as beingincluded in the tensioning system 300, described below. For instance,the straps 116, 118 cooperate with the cable 302 of the tensioningsystem 300 to move the article of footwear 10 between the constricted ortightened state and the relaxed state.

Each of the straps 116, 118 extends across the throat 108 of the upper100. As described in greater detail below, each of the straps 116, 118is connected to a respective tensioning strand 316, 318 of a tensioningelement 312 of a cable 302, which cooperate with each other via thetensioning device 400 to selectively transition the upper 100 betweenthe tightened state and the relaxed state. The cable 302 is routed fromthe tensioning device 400 in the sole structure 200 to the straps 116,118 through a plurality of guides 304 and loops 306. In some examples,the tensioning system 300 may include a heel strap 308 extending aroundthe posterior end 14 of the upper 100 and including one or more of theguides 304 or loops 306 for routing the tensioning strands 316, 318 ofthe tensioning element 312.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the straps 116, 118 of the footwear 10include a first strap 116 extending over the throat 108 from the lateralside 16 of the upper 100, and second strap 118 extending over the throat108 from the medial side 18 of the upper 100. Particularly, the firststrap 116 extends over the throat 108 from a fixed end 122 attached tothe article of footwear 10 on the lateral side 16 to a free end 124 onthe medial side 18 of the upper 100. Similarly, the second strap 118extends over the throat 108 from a fixed end 122 attached to the articleof footwear 10 on the medial side 18 to a free end 126 on the lateralside 16 of the upper 100. In the illustrated example, each of the fixedends 120, 122 is attached to the article of footwear 10 at the bite line28 formed between the upper 100 and the sole structure 200. Thus, thestraps 116, 118 cooperate to completely encompass the upper 100 in themid-foot region 22.

As shown, each of the straps 116, 118 is flared in a direction from thefree end 124, 126 to the fixed end 120, 122, such that a width W₁₁₆,W₁₁₈ of each strap 116, 118 increases along a direction from the freeend 124, 126 to the fixed end 120, 122. In other words, the straps 116,118 may be described as tapering along the direction from the fixed end120, 122 to the free end 124, 126. The fixed end 120, 122 of each strap116, 118 is positioned closer to the anterior end 12 than the respectivefree end 124, 126 of the strap 116, 118. Thus, each strap 116, 118 maybe described as extending at an oblique angle relative to thelongitudinal axis A₁₀ of the article of footwear 10. As shown, thisarrangement results in the straps 116, 118 intersecting and overlappingeach other across the throat 108 to form an X-shaped closure over theupper 100.

Each of the straps 116, 118 includes a plurality of bands 128 a-128 dextending in parallel (i.e., not intersecting) along a direction fromthe free end 124, 126 to the fixed end 120, 122. In the illustratedexample, each band 128 a-128 d extends from a first end 132 a-132 d atthe fixed end 120, 122 of the strap 116, 118 to a second end 134 a-134 dat the free end 124, 126 of the strap 116, 118. Here, the first ends 132a-132 d of the bands 128 a-128 d are individually attached at the biteline 28 and collectively form the fixed end 120, 122 of each strap 116,118. Thus, the bands 128 a-128 d are separated from each other at thefixed ends 120, 122. Conversely, the second ends 134 a-134 d of thebands 128 a-128 d are connected to each other at the free end 124, 126of each strap 116, 118. Adjacent ones of the bands 128 a-128 d of eachstrap 116, 118 define slots 130 a-130 c that extend continuously fromthe first ends 132 a-132 d to the second ends 134 a-134 d.

As shown, the free ends 124, 126 of the straps 116, 118 may include aheader 136 attaching the second ends 134 a-134 d of the bands 128 a-128d together. In the illustrated example, the header 136 and the bands 128a-128 d are integrally formed of the same piece of material. However, inother examples, the header 136 may be a separate component to which thesecond ends 134 a-134 d are attached. In some instances, the header 136may be formed of a different material than the bands 128 a-128 d. Forexample, the header 136 may be formed of a rigid material, such as aplastic, a composite, or a metal. As described in greater detail below,the header 136 serves as a connection interface between the plurality ofbands 128 a-128 d of each strap 116, 118 and a respective one thetensioning strands 316, 318 of the tensioning element 312.

In the illustrated example, each of the straps 116, 118 includes four ofthe bands 128 a-128 d extending in parallel. For the sake of clarity,the bands 128 a-128 d of each strap 116, 118 will be described as afirst band 128 a closest to the anterior end 12, a second band 128 b, athird band 128 c, and a fourth band 128 d arranged in series from thefirst band 128 a. However, more or less of the bands 128 a-128 d may beincluded on each of the straps 116, 118. For instance, each of thestraps 116, 118 could include two of the bands 128 a, 128 b.

As set forth above, the straps 116, 118 may be described as being afirst strap 116 extending from the lateral side 16 and a second strap118 extending from the medial side 18. Generally, when the article offootwear 10 is assembled, at least one of the bands 128 a-128 d of thefirst strap 116 includes a first portion that overlaps at least one ofthe bands 128 a-128 d of the second strap 118 and a second portion thatis overlapped by at least one of the other bands 128 a-128 d of thesecond strap 118. Likewise, at least one of the bands 128 a-128 d of thesecond strap 118 includes a first portion that overlaps at least one ofthe bands 128 a-128 d of the first strap 116 and a second portion thatis overlapped by at least one of the other bands 128 a-128 d of thefirst strap 116. Accordingly, the bands 128 a-128 d of the straps 116,118 are configured in a weaved configuration.

In the illustrated example, each of the bands 128 a-128 d of the firststrap 116 is routed beneath one or more of the bands 128 a-128 d of thesecond strap 118. Generally, each of the bands 128 a-128 d of the firststrap 116 is routed beneath the bands 128 a-128 d of the second strapthat correspond with and precede the respective band 128 a-128 d of thefirst strap 128 a-128 d. For example, the first band 128 a of the firststrap 116 is routed beneath the first band 128 a of the second strap 118and above the subsequent bands 128 b-128 d of the second strap 118. Thesecond band 128 b of the first strap 116 is routed beneath the first andsecond bands 128 a, 128 b and above the subsequent bands 128 c, 128 d ofthe second strap 118. The third band 128 c of the first strap 116 c isrouted beneath the first three bands 128 a-128 c and above the fourthband 128 d. The fourth band 128 d of the first strap 116 is routedbeneath all four of the bands 128 a-128 d of the second strap 118.

Alternatively, the routing of the bands 128 a-128 d of each strap 116,118 may be described with respect to the slots 130 a-130 c of the otherstrap 116, 118. For example, the first band 128 a of the first strap 116is routed through the first slot 130 a of the second strap 118, whilethe second band 128 b is routed through the second slot 130 b and thethird band 128 c is routed through the third slot 130 c. While theillustrated example shows the first strap 116 on the lateral side 16 andthe second strap 118 on the medial side 18, the arrangement of thestraps 116, 118 could be swapped such that the first strap 116 is on themedial side 18 and the second strap 118 is on the lateral side 16.Additionally, while the straps 116, 118 are described and shown as beinginterwoven, the straps 116, 118 could alternatively be layered such thatone of the straps 116, 118 extends completely over the other strap 116,118.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the tensioning system 300 includes the cable 302and a plurality of cable routing elements 304, 306, 308 configured toroute the cable 302 through the sole structure 200 and along the upper100. Here, the tensioning system 300 includes one or more cable guides304 or loops 306 attached to the upper 100 for routing the cable 302 anddistributing a tension of the cable 302 along the upper 100. A heelstrap 308 extends around the heel counter 112 and includes one or moreof the cable guides 304 or loops 306.

The cable 302 may be highly lubricous and/or may be formed from one ormore fibers having a low modulus of elasticity and a high tensilestrength. For instance, the fibers may include high modulus polyethylenefibers having a high strength-to-weight ratio and a low elasticity.Additionally or alternatively, the cable 302 may be formed from a moldedmonofilament polymer and/or a woven steel with or without otherlubrication coating. In some examples, the cable 302 includes multiplestrands of material woven together.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, the cable 302 includes a tensioning element312 that cooperates with the cable routing elements 304, 306, 308 andthe tensioning device 400 to move the article of footwear 10 between thetightened state and the relaxed state. The tensioning element 312 ismovable in a tightening direction D_(T) to move the article of footwear10 into the tightened state, and in a loosening direction D_(L) to allowthe article of footwear 10 to transition to a relaxed state. In theillustrated example, the tightening force F_(T) may be applied to thetensioning element 312 by a tensioning device 400 disposed in the solestructure.

As best shown in FIGS. 1-4, the tensioning element 312 may be describedas including a lateral tensioning strand 316 and a medial tensioningstrand 318. With reference to FIG. 2, the lateral tensioning strand 316of the tensioning element 312 extends from a first end 324 at thetensioning device 400 and is routed along the lateral side 16 of theupper 100, through the heel strap 308, and to a second end 326 attachedto the free end 124 of the second strap 118. Referring to FIG. 3, themedial tensioning strand 318 of the tensioning element 312 extends froma first end 328 at the tensioning device 400 and is routed along themedial side 18 of the upper 100, through the heel strap 308, and to asecond end 330 attached to the free end 126 of the second strap 118.

In some examples, the tensioning system 300 may include one or morecable guides 304. The cable guides 304 may be formed of a rigid,low-friction material (e.g., high density polyethylene, etc.) and havean arcuate inner surface for receiving the tensioning element 312. Insome examples, the inner (i.e., cable contacting) surfaces of the cableguides 304 are lined or coated with a low friction material, such as alubricous polymer (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene, etc.), thatfacilitates movement of the tensioning element 312 therein. By coatingthe cable guides 304 with a low friction material, the number of turnstaken by each lacing pattern can be increased without incurring adetrimentally high (e.g., function impairing) level of frictionthroughout the cable path.

In addition, or as an alternative to the rigid cable guides 304, thetensioning system may include fabric loops 306 attached to variouspoints of the upper 100 for routing the tensioning element along theexterior of the upper 100. The loops 306 can be formed of a mesh orfabric material, and define a passage for slidably receiving thetensioning element 312 therethrough. In the illustrated example, thetensioning system 300 includes one of the loops 306 disposed on each ofthe lateral and medial heel side panels 110.

The tensioning system 300 further includes the heel strap 308 extendingaround the heel counter 112 of the upper 100. As shown, the heel strap308 includes a central portion 342 attached to the upper 100 at theposterior end 14, and a pair of ends 344 extending in oppositedirections from the central portion 342 and around the heel counter 112.Accordingly, a first one of the ends 344 is disposed at the lateral side16 of the heel counter 112 and a second one of the ends 344 is disposedat the medial side 18 of the heel counter 112. Each end 344 of the heelstrap 308 includes one of the cable guides 304 for routing one of thetensioning strands 316, 318 of the tensioning element 312 therethrough.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the routing of the tensioning element312 along each of the lateral and medial sides 16, 18 is shown.Generally, each of the lateral and medial tensioning strands 316, 318 ofthe tensioning element 312 is routed from the tensioning device 400 inthe sole structure 200 and along one of the lateral or medial sides 16,18 to one of the headers 136 of a respective one of the straps 116, 118.In some instances, the lateral and medial tensioning strands 316, 318may be connected to each other within the tensioning device 400.

As shown in FIG. 2, on the lateral side 16 of the article of footwear10, the lateral tensioning strand 316 includes a first end 324 receivedby the tensioning device 400 and a second end 326 attached to the freeend 126 of the second strap 118. Here, the lateral tensioning strand 316is routed through the sole structure 200 from the tensioning device 400to a portion of the bite line 28 in the heel region 24 on the lateralside 16. A first segment of the lateral tensioning strand 316 extendsalong the lateral side panel 110 from the bite line 28 to the cableguide 304 attached to the lateral end 344 of the heel strap 308. Here,the lateral tensioning strand 316 is routed through the cable guide 304such that a second segment of the lateral tensioning strand 316 returnsalong the lateral side panel 110 and attaches to the free end 126 of thesecond strap 118. Accordingly, the lateral tensioning strand 316 isconfigured to control a tension of the second strap 118 across the upper100.

As shown in FIG. 3, on the medial side 18 of the article of footwear 10,the medial tensioning strand 318 includes a first end 328 received bythe tensioning device 400 and a second end 330 attached to the free end124 of the first strap 116. Here, the medial tensioning strand 318 isrouted through the sole structure 200 from the tensioning device 400 toa portion of the bite line 28 in the heel region 24 on the medial side18. A first segment of the medial tensioning strand 318 extends alongthe medial heel side panel 110 from the bite line 28 to the cable guide304 attached to the medial end 344 of the heel strap 308. Here, themedial tensioning strand 318 is routed through the cable guide 304 suchthat a second segment of the medial tensioning strand 318 returns alongthe medial heel side panel 110 and attaches to the free end 124 of thefirst strap 116. Accordingly, the medial tensioning strand 318 isconfigured to control a tension of the first strap 116 across the upper100.

In the illustrated example, the tensioning device 400 may be a motorizedlacing system, whereby the tensioning element 312 is moved in theloosening direction D_(L) and the tightening direction D_(T) byextending and retracting the tensioning element 312 from the tensioningdevice 400. Accordingly, the tensioning device 400 may include amotorized spool for simultaneously winding and unwinding each of thelateral tensioning strand 316 and the medial tensioning strand 318. Withreference to FIG. 1A, the article of footwear 10 is shown in a loosenedstate, where the straps 116, 118 are in a slacked state over the upper100 to allow the upper 100 to stretch around the foot of the wearer.

Referring to FIG. 1B, the article of footwear 10 is moved to a tightenedstate by retracting the tensioning element 312 into the tensioningdevice 400, thereby causing the tensioning strands 316, 318 to move inthe tightening direction D_(T). As each tensioning strand 316, 318 movesin the tightening direction, the tightening force F_(T) in eachtensioning strand 316, 318 causes the free end 126, 124 of a respectiveone of the straps 118, 116 to be pulled towards the bite line 28,thereby moving the upper 100 to a constricted or tightened state. As thestraps 116, 118 are drawn over the throat 108 and towards the bite line28, the respective bands 128 a-128 d of each strap 116, 118 pass throughthe corresponding slots 130 a-130 c formed through the other one of thestraps 116, 118, as discussed above. This interweaved relationshipbetween the bands 128 a-128 d of the straps 116, 118 provides anenhanced frictional interface between the straps 116, 118, whichmaintains the straps in the tightened position during use.

To move the upper 100 and the article of footwear 10 back to theloosened or relaxed state, the tensioning device 400 operates in anopposite direction to unwind or extend the tensioning strands 316, 318from the tensioning device 400. Thus, the tensioning strands 316, 318are allowed to move in the loosening direction D_(L) along the upper 100such that the free ends 124, 126 of the straps 116, 118 can move awayfrom the bite line 28 and the throat 108 can expand.

With particular reference to FIGS. 5A-8, an article of footwear 10 a isprovided and includes the upper 100, a sole structure 200 a, and atensioning system 300 a configured to work with an unpowered or manualtensioning device 400 a, 400 b. In view of the substantial similarity instructure and function of the components associated with the article offootwear 10 with respect to the article of footwear 10 a, like referencenumerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify likecomponents while like reference numerals containing letter extensionsare used to identify those components that have been modified.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-8, the tensioning system 300 a includes a cable302 a and a plurality of cable routing elements 304, 306, 308, 310configured to route the cable 302 a through the sole structure 200 a andalong the upper 100. In addition to the cable guides 304, loops 306, andheel strap 308 discussed above with respect to the tensioning system300, the tensioning system 300 a may include one or more sheaths 310 formanaging slack in the cable 302 a. As discussed below, the sheath 310maintains the cable 302 a in a retracted state against the upper 100when the upper 100 is in the tightened state (FIG. 5B).

With reference to FIGS. 5A-8, the cable 302 a includes the tensioningelement 312 and a control element 314 that cooperate with the cablerouting elements 304, 306, 308, 310 and the tensioning device 400 a, 400b to move the article of footwear 10 a between the tightened state andthe relaxed state. Here, the tensioning element 312 and the controlelement 314 may be collectively referred to as adjustment elements 312,314. The adjustment elements 312, 314 are movable in a tighteningdirection D_(T) to move the article of footwear 10 a into the tightenedstate, and in a loosening direction D_(L) to allow the article offootwear 10 a to transition to a relaxed state. In some examples, atightening force F_(T) applied to the control element 314 is transmittedto at least a portion of the tensioning element 312 through thetensioning device 400 a, 400 b to move the tensioning element 312 in thetightening direction D_(T).

As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the tensioning element 312 and thecontrol element 314 may be described as including lateral strands 316,320 and medial tensioning strands 318, 322. Thus, in addition to thelateral and medial tensioning strands 316, 318 of the tensioning element312, described above, the control element 314 also includes a lateralcontrol strand 320 and a medial control strand 322. In the illustratedexample, the lateral tensioning strand 316 of the tensioning element 312is connected to the lateral control strand 320 of the control element314 through the tensioning device 400 a, 400 b, as shown in FIG. 8.Similarly, the medial tensioning strand 318 of the tensioning element312 is connected to the medial control strand 322 of the control element314 through the tensioning device 400 a, 400 b, as shown in FIG. 8.Accordingly, positions of the lateral and medial tensioning strands 316,318 of the tensioning element 312 may be adjusted by moving a respectiveone of the lateral and medial control strands 320, 322 of the controlelement 314.

As described above and shown in FIG. 6, the lateral control strand 320of the control element 314 is connected to the lateral tensioning strand316 of the tensioning element 312 through the tensioning device 400 a,400 b, and extends from a first end 332 at the tensioning device 400 a,400 b to a second end 334 along the upper 100. Likewise, as shown inFIG. 7, the medial control strand 322 of the control element 314 isconnected to the medial tensioning strand 318 of the tensioning element312 through the tensioning device 400 a, 400 b, and extends from a firstend 336 at the tensioning device 400 a, 400 b to a second end 338 alongthe upper 100. Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the second end 334 of thelateral control strand 320 may be connected to the second end 338 of themedial control strand 322, such that the lateral control strand 320 andthe medial control strand 322 form a continuous strand extending overthe throat 108 of the upper 100. In other examples, the second ends 334,338 of the lateral control strand 320 and the medial control strand 322may be indirectly connected to each other by an intermediate connectingelement (not shown).

A portion of the control element 314 that extends around the upper 100may be enclosed within one or more of the sheaths 310. Each sheath 310may be formed from a material and/or a weave that allows the sheath 310and the control element 314 to move from a relaxed state to a stretchedor expanded state when the control element 314 is moved in a directionaway from the upper 100 by way of the tightening force F_(T) (i.e., whenthe control element 314 is moved in the tightening direction D_(T)).When the tightening force F_(T) is removed, the material and/or weave ofthe sheath 310 automatically causes the sheath 310 to contract to therelaxed state and accommodate bunching of the control element 314therein, as shown in FIG. 5B. As shown, the control element 314 isrouted through the sheath 310 and over the throat 108 of the upper 100,adjacent to an anterior side of the ankle opening 104. Accordingly, thecontrol element 314 extends across the upper 100 in front of the ankleof the wearer.

With continued reference to FIG. 6, the sheath 310 and the lateralcontrol strand 320 of the control element 314 are routed up through thelateral quarter panel 106 and exit the lateral quarter panel 106 toextend over an exterior of the upper 100 across the throat 108.Similarly, the medial control strand 322 of the control element 314 andthe sheath 310 are routed in a similar manner from the medial quarterpanel 106 to the throat 108 of the upper 100, whereby the second ends334, 338 of the lateral control strand 320 and the medial control strand322 are attached to each other, directly or indirectly, to form acontinuous control element 314 extending over the throat 108 of theupper 100.

In the example shown, a separate tightening grip 340 may operativelyconnect to the sheath 310 at an attachment location proximate to thethroat 108 to allow a user to apply the tightening force F_(T) to pullthe control element 314 away from the upper 100, thereby causing each ofthe control element 314 and the tensioning element 312 to move in thetightening direction D_(T). Other configurations may include operativelyconnecting one or more tightening grips 340 to other portions of thesheath 310 along the length of the control element 314. In someimplementations, the tightening grip 340 is omitted and the sheath 310is gripped directly by the user.

As discussed above with respect to the article of footwear 10 andtensioning system 300 of FIGS. 1A-4, the upper 100 is moveable between arelaxed state and a tightened state by adjusting a position of thestraps 116, 118 by applying or releasing a tightening force F_(T) to therespective free ends 124, 126 of the straps 116, 118. In the example ofFIGS. 5A-8, the upper 100 is also moveable between the relaxed state andthe tightened state by selectively applying and releasing the tighteningforce F_(T) to the tensioning element 312. However, unlike the previousexample, where the tensioning force F_(T) was applied by the tensioningdevice 400, the example of FIGS. 5A-8 includes a manual tensioningsystem 300 a, where the tightening force F_(T) can be applied to thetensioning element 312 by the user.

As shown, the cable 302 a of the tensioning system 300 a can be moved inthe tightening direction D_(T) by applying a tightening force F_(T) tothe control element 314. For instance, a user may apply the tighteningforce F_(T) to the control element 314 by pulling the tightening grip340 and the sheath 310 away from the upper 100, thereby moving thecontrol element 314 in the tightening direction D_(T). Here, thetightening force F_(T) is applied to each of the control strands 320,322 and is transmitted to respective ones of the tensioning strands 316,318 through the tensioning device 400 a, 400 b. The tightening forceF_(T) pulls the tensioning strands 316, 318 in the tightening directionto draw the free ends 124, 126 of the straps 116, 118 across the throat108 and towards the bite lines 28.

As discussed above, the locking device or tensioning device 400 a, 400 bmay be disposed within the cavity of the sole structure 200, and may bebiased to a locked state to restrict movement of the adjustment elements312, 314 in their respective loosening directions D_(L). The tensioningelement 312 and the control element 314 each approach and pass through ahousing 402 of the tensioning device 400 a, 400 b from oppositedirections. In some configurations, the tensioning device 400 a, 400 bpermits movement of the adjustment elements 312, 314 in the tighteningdirections D_(T) while in the locked state. The release mechanism 404may transition the tensioning device 400 a, 400 b from the locked stateto an unlocked state to thereby permit the adjustment elements 312, 314to move in both directions D_(T), D_(F).

The release mechanism 404 is operable to transition the tensioningdevice 400 a from a locked state to an unlocked state to permit theadjustment elements 312, 314 to move in both directions D_(T), D_(F).For instance, the release mechanism 404 may include a release cord orcable 404 operable to transition the tensioning device 400 a, 400 b fromthe locked state to the unlocked state when the release cord 404 ispulled. The release cord 404 may extend from a first end 406 attached tothe tensioning device 400 a, 400 b to a distal end 408 secured at theposterior end 14 of the upper 100, thereby permitting a user to grip andpull the release cord 404 for moving the tensioning device 400 a, 400 bfrom the locked state to the unlocked state.

In some examples, the release cord 404 includes a release grip 410, suchas a loop or sheath, located remotely from the tensioning device 400 ato allow a user to grip and pull the release cord 404 when it isdesirable to move the tensioning device 400 a, 400 b into the unlockedstate and/or release the tensioning device 400 a, 400 b from theunlocked state. FIGS. 6 and 7 show the release grip 410 formed at theposterior end of the ankle opening 104, where the release cord 404extends from the sole structure 200 and along the heel counter 112.

With particular reference to FIGS. 9A-12, an article of footwear 10 b isprovided and includes an upper 100 b, a sole structure 200 b, and atensioning system 300 b configured to work with the tensioning device400. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function ofthe components associated with the article of footwear 10 with respectto the article of footwear 10 b, like reference numerals are usedhereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while likereference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identifythose components that have been modified.

The upper 100 b forms an enclosure having a plurality of components thatcooperate to define an interior void 102 and an ankle opening 104, whichcooperate to receive and secure a foot for support on the sole structure200 b. For example, the upper 100 b includes a pair of quarter panels106 b in the mid-foot region 22 on opposite sides of the interior void102. A throat 108 b extends across the top of the upper 100 b anddefines an instep region extending between the quarter panels 106 b fromthe ankle opening 104 to the forefoot region 20. In the illustratedexample, the throat 108 b is enclosed by an adjustable tongue extendingbetween the opposing quarter panels 106 b in the instep region to coverthe interior void 102. Here, the material panel covering the throat 108b may be formed of a material having a higher modulus of elasticity thanthe material forming the quarter panels 106.

The upper 100 b of the article of footwear 10 b may be further describedas including heel side panels 110 b extending through the heel region 24along the lateral and medial sides 16, 18 of the ankle opening 104. Aheel counter 112 b wraps around the posterior end 14 of the footwear 10b and connects the heel side panels 110 b. Uppermost edges of the throat108 b, the heel side panels 110 b, and the heel counter 112 b cooperateto form a collar 114 b, which defines the ankle opening 104 of theinterior void 102. Optionally, the heel counter 112 b may include aplurality of flexions 138 defining a collapsible accordion or bellowsstructure 140 along the heel counter 112 b. In use, the heel counter 112b is operable to collapse along the bellows structure 140 to temporarilyadjust the size and orientation of the ankle opening 104 for receivingthe foot of the user.

As provided above, the sole structure 200 b is attached to the upper 100b and defines a ground-engaging surface 26 of the footwear 10 b. Thesole structure 200 b includes a top surface 202 b and a bottom surface204 b formed on an opposite side of the sole structure 200 b from thetop surface 202 b. The bottom surface 204 b of the sole structure 200 bmay define the ground-engaging surface 26 of the footwear 10 b. The solestructure 200 b further includes a peripheral side surface 206 bextending between the top surface 202 b and the bottom surface 204 b,such that the peripheral side surface 206 b defines an outer perimeterof the sole structure 200 b. The sole structure 200 b extendscontinuously from a first end 208 b at the anterior end 12 of thefootwear 10 b to a second end 210 b at the posterior end 14 of thefootwear 10 b.

The sole structure 200 b may also include one or more engagementfeatures 212 b formed on the peripheral side surface 206. In theillustrated example, the sole structure 200 b includes an arcuate lip212 extending from the second end 210 b of the sole structure 200 b.Here, the lip 212 b extends along an arcuate path and forms a concaveupper surface configured to receive an anterior end 12 of another one ofthe articles of footwear 10 b. Thus, the anterior end 12 of a firstarticle of footwear 10 b can be engaged with the lip 212 b of a secondarticle of footwear 10 b to facilitate removal of the second article offootwear 10 b. Particularly, the posterior end 14 of the second articleof footwear 10 b may be held down at the lip 212 b so that a user canstep out of the article of footwear 10 b. Alternatively, a bare foot orhand of the wearer may be used to pull the article of footwear 10 b fromthe foot using the lip 212 b.

As referred to throughout the application and the accompanying claims,the sole structure 200 b and the upper 100 b define a ‘bite line’ 28where the peripheral side surface 206 and the upper 100 b intersect whenthe footwear 10 b is assembled. The bite line 28 can extend along thefootwear 10 b entirely from the first end 208 b to the second end 210 bon either or both of the lateral side 16 and the medial side 18, and canalso extend around the first end 208 b, the second end 210 b, or both.

The sole structure 200 b is configured to receive the tensioning device400 and a portion of the tensioning system 300 b, and may include one ormore cavities or conduits formed therein. In the illustrated example,the sole structure 200 b includes an aperture or cavity 214 b formedbetween the top surface 202 b and the bottom surface 204 b. The cavity214 is configured to receive the tensioning device 400 within the solestructure 200 b. In some examples, the tensioning device 400 may beencapsulated within the sole structure 200 b.

As discussed previously with respect to the article of footwear 10, theupper 100 includes a pair of interweaved straps 116 b, 118 b that may beattached to the upper 100 b, which are operable for moving the upper 100b between a relaxed or loosened state (FIG. 9A), and a constricted ortightened state (FIG. 9B). While described here as being part of theupper 100 b, the straps 116 b, 118 b may also be described as beingincluded in the tensioning system 300 b, described below. For instance,the straps 116 b, 118 b cooperate with the cable 302 of the tensioningsystem 300 b to move the article of footwear 10 b between theconstricted or tightened state and the relaxed state.

The straps 116 b, 118 b of the upper 100 b are substantially similar tothe straps 116, 118 discussed previously, except that the straps 116 b,118 b each include a fifth band 128 e extending from a first end 132 eattached to a side of the throat 108 b to a second end 134 e at therespective free end 124, 126 of the strap 118 b, 118 b. Thus, the firstfour bands 128 a-128 d of each strap 116 b, 118 b attach at the biteline 28 and extend over the entire upper 100 b while the fifth bands 128e only extend over the throat 108 b. When the upper 100 b is moved fromrelaxed state (FIG. 9A) to the tightened state (FIG. 9B), the fifthbands 128 e tighten the portion of the throat 108 b adjacent to theankle opening 104.

Referring to FIGS. 9A-12, the tensioning system 300 b includes the cable302 and a plurality of cable routing elements 304 b, 306 b, 308 bconfigured to route the cable 302 through the sole structure 200 b andalong the upper 100 b. Here, the tensioning system 300 b includes one ormore cable guides 304 b, 306 b attached to the upper 100 b for routingthe cable 302 and distributing a tension of the cable 302 along theupper 100 b. The upper 100 b also includes a conduit 308 b attached toeach of the heel side panels 110 b, which provides a routing pathway forthe cable 302 from an exterior of the upper 100 b to an interior of thesole structure 200.

With reference to FIGS. 9A-12, the cable 302 includes the tensioningelement 312 that cooperates with the cable routing elements 304 b, 306b, 308 b and the tensioning device 400 to move the article of footwear10 b between the tightened state and the relaxed state. The tensioningelement 312 is movable in a tightening direction D_(T) to move thearticle of footwear 10 b into the tightened state, and in a looseningdirection D_(L) to allow the article of footwear 10 b to transition to arelaxed state. In the illustrated example, the tightening force F_(T)may be applied to the tensioning element 312 by a tensioning device 400disposed in the sole structure.

The tensioning element 312 may be described as including the lateraltensioning strand 316 and the medial tensioning strand 318. Withreference to FIG. 10, the lateral tensioning strand 316 of thetensioning element 312 extends from a first end 324 at the tensioningdevice 400 and is routed to an exterior of the upper 100 b through theconduit 308 b along the lateral heel side panel 110 b. From the conduit308 b, the lateral tensioning strand 316 is routed to an arcuate cableguide 306 b on the lateral side of the heel counter 112 b, around anarcuate cable guide 304 b attached to the header 136 of the medialforefoot strap 118, and then to a second end 326 anchored to the lateralheel side panel 110 b of the upper 100 b. Referring to FIG. 11, themedial tensioning strand 318 of the tensioning element 312 extends froma first end 328 at the tensioning device 400 and is routed to theexterior of the upper 100 b through the conduit 308 b along the medialheel side panel 110 b. From the conduit 308 b, the medial tensioningstrand 318 is routed to an arcuate cable guide 306 b on the medial side18 of the heel counter 112 b, around an arcuate cable guide 304 battached to the header 136 of the lateral forefoot strap 116, and thento a second end 330 anchored to the medial heel side panel 110 b of theupper 100 b.

In some examples, the tensioning system 300 b may include one or more ofthe cable guides 304 b, 306 b. The cable guides 304 b, 306 b may beformed of a rigid, low-friction material (e.g., high densitypolyethylene, etc.) and have an arcuate inner surface for receiving thetensioning element 312. In some examples, the inner (i.e., cablecontacting) surfaces of the cable guides 304 are lined or coated with alow friction material, such as a lubricous polymer (e.g.,polytetrafluoroethylene, etc.), that facilitates movement of thetensioning element 312 therein. By coating the cable guides 304 b, 306 bwith a low friction material, the number of turns taken by each lacingpattern can be increased without incurring a detrimentally high (e.g.,function impairing) level of friction throughout the cable path.

In the illustrated example, the tensioning device 400 may be a motorizedlacing system, whereby the tensioning element 312 is moved in theloosening direction D_(L) and the tightening direction D_(T) byextending and retracting the tensioning element 312 from the tensioningdevice 400. Accordingly, the tensioning device 400 may include amotorized spool for simultaneously winding and unwinding each of thelateral tensioning strand 316 and the medial tensioning strand 318. Withreference to FIG. 1A, the article of footwear 10 b is shown in aloosened state, where the straps 116, 118 are in a slacked state overthe upper 100 b to allow the upper 100 b to stretch around the foot ofthe wearer.

Referring to FIG. 9B, the article of footwear 10 b is moved to atightened state by retracting the tensioning element 312 into thetensioning device 400, thereby causing the tensioning strands 316, 318to move in the tightening direction D_(T). As each tensioning strand316, 318 moves in the tightening direction, the tightening force F_(T)in each tensioning strand 316, 318 causes the free end 126, 124 of arespective one of the straps 118, 116 to be pulled towards the bite line28, thereby moving the upper 100 b to a constricted or tightened state.As the straps 116, 118 are drawn over the throat 108 and towards thebite line 28, the respective bands 128 a-128 d of each strap 116, 118pass through the corresponding slots 130 a-130 c formed through theother one of the straps 116, 118, as discussed above. This interweavedrelationship between the bands 128 a-128 d of the straps 116, 118provides an enhanced frictional interface between the straps 116, 118,which maintains the straps 116, 118 in the tightened position duringuse.

To move the upper 100 b and the article of footwear 10 b back to theloosened or relaxed state, the tensioning device 400 operates in anopposite direction to unwind or extend the tensioning strands 316, 318from the tensioning device 400. Thus, the tensioning strands 316, 318are allowed to move in the loosening direction D_(L) along the upper 100b such that the free ends 124, 126 of the straps 116, 118 can move awayfrom the bite line 28 and the throat 108 can expand.

Referring to FIGS. 13-16, in some implementations, the tensioning device400 a includes the housing 402 a and a locking member or lock member 412slidably disposed within the housing 402 a and enclosed by a lid 414fastened to the housing 402 a. FIG. 14 provides an exploded view of thetensioning device 400 a of FIG. 13 showing the locking member 412 andthe lid 414 removed from the housing 402 a. The housing 402 a defines alength extending between a first end 416 and a second end 418. Thehousing 402 a includes a base portion 420 having a cable-receivingsurface 422 and a mounting surface 424 disposed on an opposite side ofthe base portion 420 than the cable-receiving surface 422 and opposingthe exterior surface of the upper 100. The lid 414 opposes thecable-receiving surface 422 of the base portion 420 to define a lockingmember cavity 426 therebetween that is configured to receive the lockingmember 412 and a portion of the tensioning system 300 a. In someconfigurations, the locking member cavity 426 is bounded by a firstengagement surface 428 and a second engagement surface 430 (FIGS. 15 and16) that converge toward one another such that the locking member cavity426 is associated with a wedge-shaped configuration tapering toward thesecond end 418 of the housing 402 a. Accordingly, the first engagementsurface 428 and the second engagement surface 430 include correspondingsidewalls of the housing 402 a converging toward one another andextending between the lid 414 and the cable-receiving surface 422 of thebase portion 420 to define the locking member cavity 426.

As discussed above, the cable 302 a of the tensioning system 300 a mayinclude a tensioning element 312 and a control element 314, which areconnected to each other by a locking element 315 that extends throughthe locking member cavity 426 and includes a first portion extendingalong the first engagement surface 428 and a second portion extendingalong the second engagement surface 430. The tensioning element 312exits out of corresponding slots 432 (FIGS. 15 and 16) formed throughopposing sidewalls of the housing 402 a proximate to the first end 416.The control element 314 exits out of corresponding slots 432 (FIGS. 15and 16) formed through the opposing sidewalls of the housing 402 aproximate to the second end 418.

In some implementations, the locking member 412 includes a first locksurface 434 opposing the first engagement surface 428 of the housing 402a and a second lock surface 436 opposing the second engagement surface430 of the housing 402 a when the locking member 412 is disposed withinthe locking member cavity 426 of the housing 402 a. In some examples,the first lock surface 434 and the second lock surface 436 convergetoward one another. Additionally or alternatively, the first locksurface 434 may be substantially parallel to the first engagementsurface 428 and the second lock surface 436 may be substantiallyparallel to the second engagement surface 430. In the example shown, thelock surfaces 434, 436 include projections or teeth each having anangled surface to permit movement by tensioning system 300 a in thetightening direction D_(T) (i.e., when the tightening force F_(T) isapplied to control element 314) while restricting movement by thetensioning system 300 a by gripping the locking element 315 in theloosening direction D_(L) when the locking member 412 is in the lockedstate. A biasing member 438 (e.g., a spring) may include a first end 440attached to the second end 418 of the housing 402 a and a second end 442attached to a first end 444 of the locking member 412 to attach thelocking member 412 to the housing 402 a.

In some implementations, the locking member 412 is slidably disposedwithin the housing 402 a and is movable between a locked position (FIG.15) associated with the locked state of the tensioning device 400 a andan unlocked position (FIG. 16) associated with the unlocked state of thetensioning device 400 a. In some examples, the release mechanism 404(e.g., release cord 404) moves the locking member 412 from the lockedposition (FIG. 15) to the unlocked position (FIG. 16). The lockingmember 412 may include a tab portion 446 extending from an opposite endof the locking member 412 than the first end 444. In one configuration,the first end 406 of the release cord 404 attaches to the tab portion446 of the locking member 412. The tab portion 446 may include a pair ofretention features or recesses 448 formed in corresponding ones of thefirst lock surface 434 and the second lock surface 436 and selectivelyreceiving one or more retention features 450 associated with the housing402 a to maintain the tensioning device 400 a in the unlocked state. Theretention features 450 associated with the housing 402 a may include afirst retention feature 450 and a second retention feature 450 disposedon opposite sides of the housing 402 a, whereby the retention features450 are biased inward toward the cavity 426 and one another bycorresponding biasing members 452. The retention features 450 may beprojections that are integrally formed with the housing 402 a such thatthe retention features 450 act as living hinges movable between aretracted state (FIG. 15) and an extended state (FIG. 16).

FIG. 15 provides a top view of the tensioning device 400 a of FIG. 9with the lid 414 removed to show the locking member 412 disposed withinthe cavity 426 of the housing 402 a while in the locked position. Insome examples, the locking member 412 is biased into the lockedposition. For instance, FIG. 15 shows the biasing member 438 exerting abiasing force F_(B) (represented in a direction DB) upon the lockingmember 412 to urge the first end 444 of the locking member 412 towardthe second end 418 of the housing 402 a, and thereby bias the lockingmember 412 into the locked position. While in the locked position, thelocking member 412 restricts movement of the tensioning system 300 arelative to the housing 402 a by pinching the locking element 315 of thetensioning system 300 a between the lock surfaces 434, 436 and theengagement surfaces 428, 430. Accordingly, the locked position of thelocking member 412 restricts the tensioning system 300 a from moving inthe loosening direction D_(L). In the example shown, the locking member412 permits movement of the tensioning system 300 a when the tighteningforce F_(T) is applied to the tightening grip 340, as this directioncauses the tensioning system 300 a to apply a force on the lockingmember 412 due to the generally wedge shape of the locking member 412,thereby moving the locking member 412 into the unlocked state. Thelocking member 412 automatically returns to the locked state once theforce applied to the tightening grip 340 is released due to the forcesimparted on the locking member 412 by the biasing member 438.

FIG. 16 provides a top view of the tensioning device 400 a of FIG. 13with the lid 414 removed to show the locking member 412 disposed withinthe cavity 426 of the housing 402 a while in the unlocked position. Insome examples, the release cord 404 attached to the tab portion 446 ofthe locking member 412 applies a release force F_(R) upon the lockingmember 412 to move the locking member 412 away from the first engagementsurface 428 and the second engagement surface 430 relative to thehousing 402 a. Here, the release force F_(R) is sufficient to overcomethe biasing force F_(B) of the biasing member 438 to permit the lockingmember 412 to move relative to the housing 402 a such that the pinchingupon the locking element 315 of the tensioning system 300 a between thelock surfaces 434, 436 and the engagement surfaces 428, 430 is released.In some examples, the biasing force F_(B) causes the locking member 412to transition back to the locked position when the release force F_(R)applied by the release cord 404 is released. The release cord 404 mayapply the release force F_(R) when a release force F_(R) of sufficientor predetermined magnitude is applied to pull the release cord 404 awayfrom the upper 100 relative to the view of FIG. 16.

While in the unlocked position, the locking member 412 permits movementof the tensioning system 300 a relative to the housing 402 a by allowingthe locking element 315 of the tensioning system 300 a to freely movebetween the lock surfaces 434, 436 and the engagement surfaces 428, 430.The unlocked position of the locking member 412 permits movement of thetensioning system 300 a in both the tightening direction D_(T) and theloosening direction D_(L) when the forces F_(T), F_(L) are applied torespective ones of the control element 314 and the tensioning element312.

In some examples, a sufficient magnitude and/or duration of the releaseforce F_(R) applied to the release cord 404 causes the release cord 404to apply the release force F_(R) (FIG. 16) upon the locking member 412in a direction opposite the direction of the biasing force F_(B) (FIG.15) such that the locking member 412 moves away from the engagementsurfaces 428, 430 relative to the housing 402 a and toward the first end416 of the housing 402 a. At least one of the retention features 450 ofthe housing 402 a may engage the retention feature 448 of the lockingmember 412 when release force F_(R) moves the locking member 412 apredetermined distance away from the first engagement surface 428 andthe second engagement surface 430 of the housing 402 a. Here, engagementbetween the retention feature 448 of the locking member 412 and the atleast one retention feature 450 of the housing 402 a maintains thelocking member 412 in the unlocked position once the release force F_(R)is released. The biasing force F_(B) of the biasing member 438 and theforces exerted by the pair of biasing members 452 on the retentionfeatures 450 lock the retention feature 448 of the locking member 412into engagement with the retention features 450 of the housing 402 aafter the locking member 412 moves the predetermined distance and therelease force F_(R) is no longer applied.

In some scenarios, a release force F_(R) associated with a firstmagnitude may be applied to the release cord 404 to move the lockingmember 412 away from the engagement surfaces 428, 430 by a distance lessthan the predetermined distance such that the retention features 448,450 do not engage. In these scenarios, the release force F_(R)associated with the first magnitude can be maintained when it isdesirable to move the tensioning system 300 a in the loosening directionD_(L) or the tightening direction D_(T) (e.g., by applying thetightening force F_(T) to the tightening grip 340) for adjusting the fitof the interior void 102 around the foot. Once the desired fit of theinterior void 102 around the foot is achieved, the release force F_(R)can be released to cause the locking member 412 to transition back tothe locked position so that movement of the tensioning system 300 a isrestricted in the loosening direction D_(L) and the desired fit can besustained. It should be noted that even when the locking member 412 isin the locked position, the tensioning system 300 a can be moved in thetightening direction D_(T). As such, once the release force F_(R) isreleased and a desired fit is achieved, the locking member 412automatically retains the desired fit by locking a position of thetensioning system 300 a relative to the housing 402 a.

In other scenarios, a release force F_(R) associated with a secondmagnitude greater than the first magnitude can be applied to the releasecord 404 to move the locking member 412 the predetermined distance awayfrom the engagement surfaces 428, 430 to cause the correspondingretention features 448, 450 to engage. Engagement of the retentionfeatures 448, 450 is facilitated by providing the retention features 450with a tapered edge that opposes the locking member 412 to allow thelocking member 412 to more easily move the retention features 450against the biasing force F_(B) imparted thereon by the biasing members452 when the release cord 404 is pulled the predetermined distance. Inthese scenarios, engagement between the corresponding retention features448, 450 maintains the locking member 412 in the unlocked position whenthe release force F_(R) is released.

The locking member 412 is returned to the locked position when atightening force F_(T) is applied to the control element 314. Namely,when a force is applied to the lateral and medial control strands 320,322, these control strands 320, 322 are placed in tension which, inturn, exerts a force on the biasing members 452 via the retentionfeatures 450, as the control strands 320, 322 pass through a portion ofthe retention features 450. In so doing, the retention features 450compress the biasing members 452 and, as such, cause the retentionfeatures 450 to move away from one another and disengage the retentionfeatures 448 of the locking member 412, thereby allowing the biasingmember 438 to return the locking member 412 to the locked position.

In use, the article of footwear 10 can be selectively moved between arelaxed state (FIG. 5A) and a tightened state (FIG. 5B) using thetensioning system 300 a. With the footwear 10 initially provided in arelaxed state, an effective length of the tensioning strands 316, 318 ofthe tensioning element 312 (i.e., the lengths from the first ends 324,328 to the second ends 326, 330) will be maximized, such that thetensioning element 312 and the straps 116, 118 are in a relaxed stateabout the upper 100, while an effective length of the control strands320, 322 of the control element 314 (i.e., the lengths from the firstends 332, 336 to the second ends 334, 338) is minimized. Accordingly, afoot of a user can be inserted into the interior void 102 of thefootwear 10 with the materials of the upper 100 allowing the upper 100to stretch to accommodate the foot therein.

With the foot of the user inserted within the interior void 102 of theupper 100, the tensioning system 300 a can be moved to a tightened stateby the user to secure the footwear 10 to the foot. As discussed above,the tensioning system 300 a is moved to the tightened state by applyinga tightening force F_(T) to the tightening grip 340 of the controlelement 314, thereby causing the control element 314 to move in thetightening direction D_(T). As the control element 314 moves in thetightening direction D_(T), the cable 302 a is pulled through thehousing 402 a of the tensioning device thereby causing the effectivelengths of the tensioning strands 316, 318 of the tensioning element 312to be reduced. Accordingly, an effective length of the tensioningelement 312 is minimized around the upper 100 to move the upper 100 to atightened state around the foot.

As discussed above, when the tensioning element 312 is moved in thetightening direction D_(T), the lateral and medial tensioning strands316, 318 distribute the tightening force F_(T) to the free ends 124, 126of the straps 116, 118 to draw the straps 116, 118 tight over the throat108. The lateral and medial tensioning strands 316, 318 of thetensioning element 312 distribute the tightening force F_(T) to the ends344 of the heel strap 308 to constrict the heel counter 112 around therear of the ankle of the user. Simultaneously, the effective length ofthe control element 314 may be increased when the tensioning system 300a is moved to the tightened state. However, as shown in FIG. 5B, thecontrol element 314 is maintained in a taut position against the upper100 by the elasticity of the sheath 310, which accommodates theincreased effective length of the control element 314 by allowing thecontrol element 314 to “bunch” within the sheath 306 when the sheath 310is contracted.

When a user desires to remove the article of footwear 10 a from thefoot, the tensioning system 300 a may be moved to the loosened state toallow the upper 100 to be relaxed around the foot. Initially, thetensioning device 400 a must be moved to the unlocked state by applyinga sufficient release force F_(R) to overcome the biasing force F_(B) ofthe biasing member 438, as discussed above. Once the tensioning device400 a is moved to the unlocked state, the cable 302 a can be pulled inthe loosening direction D_(L) through the housing 402 a of thetensioning device by pulling the article of footwear 10 from the foot ofthe user, which inherently causes the upper to expand and increases theeffective lengths of the tensioning strands 316, 318 of the tensioningelement 312.

With reference to FIGS. 17-21, another example of a manual tensioningdevice 400 b is shown, where the tensioning device 400 b is embodied asa rotary mechanism. FIG. 17 provides an exploded view of the tensioningdevice 400 b, showing a housing 402 b defining a cavity 454 configuredto rotatably receive a spool 456, a first pawl 458, and a second pawl460. The tensioning device 400 b may include a lid 462 fastened to thehousing 402 b to prevent access to the cavity 454 when the lid 462 isfastened to the housing 402 b and to allow access to the cavity 454 whenthe lid 462 is removed from the housing 402 b. One or more fasteners 464may extend through the lid 462 and fasten with threaded holes 466 in thehousing 402 b to secure the lid 462 to the housing 402 b.

The housing 402 b defines a plurality of retainer slots 468 eachconfigured to receive and support a respective cable retainer 470through which the cable adjustment elements are routed into the cavity454 of the housing 402 b. The housing 402 b may support a plurality ofthe cable retainers 470 such that the ends of the adjustment elements312, 314 each extend through a respective one of the cable retainers470.

As described in greater detail below, the housing 402 b may furtherinclude a retaining wall 472 disposed within the cavity 454. Theretaining wall 472 is configured to cooperate with the first pawl 458.The retaining wall 472 may further include a tactile slot 474 configuredto receive one or more tactile domes 476. Described in greater detailbelow with reference to FIGS. 18-21, the first pawl 458 may engage thetactile dome(s) 476 to provide a click or other sound that indicates thespool 456 has changed positions relative to the housing 402 b and/or thetensioning device 400 b has transitioned from the locked state to theunlocked state.

FIG. 19 provides a top view of the housing 402 b showing a pair ofmounting flanges 478, 480 disposed on opposite sides of the housing 402b. The mounting flanges 478, 480 may rest upon an inner surface of thecavity 214 of the sole structure 200 to mount the tensioning device 400b within the sole structure 200. Alternatively, the flanges 478, 480 mayattach to a strobel of the upper 100. The strobel can be any supportstructure forming an underfoot portion of the footwear 10 a that is atleast disposed between the sole structure 200 and the void 102. In someexamples, bonding agents, such as adhesives and/or epoxies, may beapplied to the contact surfaces of the mounting flanges 478, 480 and/orthe inner surface of the cavity 214 of the sole structure 200 forattaching the housing 402 b within the cavity 214. Additionally oralternatively, the mounting flanges 478, 480 may define one or moremounting holes 482 formed therethrough and configured to receive afastener (not shown) for mounting the housing 402 b to the solestructure 200.

FIG. 19 shows the housing 402 b with the pawls 458, 460, adjustmentelements 312, 314, and other components of the tensioning device 400 bremoved to expose an elongate channel 484 formed through the housing 402b. As discussed in greater detail below, the elongate channel 484 alignswith an attachment point of the first pawl 458 and permits the releasecord 404 to pass underneath the housing 402 b and up through a feed slot486 defined by the mounting flange 480. The mounting flange 480 alsodefines a cut-out region 477 proximate to the feed slot 486 to providemore clearance for the release cord 404 (and/or a conduit enclosing therelease cord 404) to extend from the housing 402 b. The mounting flanges478, 480 may define a lip around the perimeter of the housing 402 b sothat the housing 402 b is spaced apart from the mounting surface of thecavity 214 or the strobel, allowing the release cord 404 to be routedbetween the housing 402 b and the mounting surface of the cavity 214 orstrobel. Thus, the release cord 404 may freely extend underneath thehousing 402 b between the elongate channel 484 and the feed slot 486. Insome examples, the feed slot 486 has a curved edge to prevent therelease cord 404 from catching or being restricted by the housing 402 b.

Referring now to FIG. 18, the spool 456 is supported within the cavity454 of the housing 402 b and may rotate relative to the housing 402 b.In some examples, the spool 456 rotates relative to the housing 402 b ina first direction D_(S1) when the adjustment elements 312, 314 move inthe tightening direction D_(T) and in an opposite second directionD_(S2) when the adjustment elements 312, 314 move in the looseningdirection D_(L). The spool 456 includes a first channel or annulargroove 488 configured to collect portions of the tensioning element 312and a second channel or annular groove 490 configured to collectportions of the control element 314. The spool 456 may include one ormore anchor slots 492 formed through a divider wall separating thechannels 488, 490 for fixing a rotational position of each of theadjustment elements 312, 314 relative to the spool 456.

The tensioning device 400 b also includes a ratchet mechanism 494associated with the spool 456 and having a plurality of teeth 496positioned circumferentially around an axis of the ratchet mechanism 494and protruding radially inward therefrom. In some implementations, theratchet mechanism 494 is integrally formed upon an inner circumferentialwall of the spool 456 such that the plurality of teeth 496 protruderadially inward from the channels 488, 490. In other examples, theratchet mechanism 494 is supported for common rotation with the spool456.

The first pawl 458 is disposed within the cavity 454 of the housing 402b and is configured to cooperate with the ratchet mechanism 494 toselectively prevent and allow rotation of the spool 456 and,consequently, movement of the adjustment elements 312, 314. In someexamples, the first pawl 458 includes one or more teeth 498 configuredto selectively and meshingly engage with the plurality of teeth 496 ofthe ratchet mechanism 494. In some implementations, the first pawl 458includes a first pawl axle 500 configured to support the first pawl 458within the housing 402 b to permit the first pawl 458 to rotate relativeto the housing 402 b about a first pawl axis of rotation A_(FP).

A first pawl spring 502 may operably connect to the first pawl axle 500and the retaining wall 472 disposed within the cavity 454 of the housing402 b to bias the first pawl 458 in a first direction D_(FP1) about thepawl axis of rotation A_(FP). The first pawl axis of rotation A_(FP) maybe substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of the spool 456 whenthe spool 456 is received by the cavity 454. Accordingly, the first pawlspring 502 may interact with the retaining wall 472 and the first pawl516 to exert a biasing force that causes the first pawl 458 to pivotabout the pawl axis of rotation A_(FP) in the first direction D_(FP1)and into engagement with the plurality of teeth 496 of the ratchetmechanism 494, thereby causing the tensioning device 400 b to operate inthe locked state to restrict movement by the adjustment elements 312,314 in the loosening directions D_(L).

FIGS. 20 and 21 each show a top view of the first pawl 458 of thetensioning device 400 b. The first pawl 458 defines a first receivingsurface 504 configured to support the first pawl spring 502. The firstpawl axle 500 protrudes from the first receiving surface 504 in adirection substantially perpendicular to the first receiving surface504. The first pawl axle 500 may be integrally formed with the firstpawl 458. The first pawl 458 also defines a second receiving surface 506configured to support a second pawl spring 516. An aperture 508 isformed through the second receiving surface 506 and is configured toreceive a second pawl axle 514. An anchor post 510 may protrude awayfrom the receiving surfaces 504, 506 in a direction substantiallyparallel to the first pawl axle 500. The anchor post 510 may define anaperture 512 to provide an attachment location for attaching the firstend 406 of the release cord 404 to the anchor post 510. The anchor post510 may be integrally formed with the first pawl 458.

With reference to FIG. 18, the second pawl axle 514 rotatably attachesthe second pawl 460 to the first pawl 458 to permit the second pawl 460to rotate relative to both the first pawl 458 and the housing 402 babout a second pawl axis of rotation A_(SP). The second pawl axis ofrotation A_(SP) may extend substantially parallel to the first pawl axisof rotation A_(FP) and the axis of rotation of the spool 456. In someexamples, the second pawl 460 is associated with the second pawl spring516, which is configured to bias the second pawl 460 into engagementwith a control surface 518 associated with an inner periphery of thespool 456 when the first pawl 458 is disengaged from the teeth 496 ofthe ratchet mechanism 494 to permit the spool 456 to rotate in thesecond direction D_(S2).

FIG. 18 provides a perspective view of the tensioning device 400 b whilein the locked state with the first pawl teeth 498 of the first pawl 458engaging the teeth 496 of the ratchet mechanism 494 to selectivelyrestrict the spool 456 from rotating in the second direction D_(S2) andthereby restrict the adjustment elements 312, 314 from moving in theirrespective loosening directions D_(L). In some examples, the pluralityof the teeth 496 are sloped to permit the spool 456 to rotate in thefirst direction D_(S1) when the teeth 498 of the first pawl 458 areengaged with the teeth 496 of the ratchet mechanism 494, therebypermitting the tensioning element 312 to move in the tighteningdirection D_(T) and the control element 314 to move in the tighteningdirection D_(T) responsive to the tightening force F_(T) being appliedto the tightening grip 340.

When the spool 456 rotates in the first direction D_(S1), the controlelement 314 is unreeled from the second channel 490 of the spool 456while the first channel 488 of the spool 456 simultaneously retracts thetensioning element 312 as the spool 456 rotates in the first directionD_(S1). Accordingly, movement by the adjustment elements 312, 314 intheir respective tightening directions D_(T) causes an effective lengthof the control element 314 to increase, while simultaneously causing aneffective length of the tensioning element 312 to decrease, therebymoving the upper 100 into a tightened state for closing the interiorvoid 102 around a foot of a user. Here, the control element 314incrementally moves in the tightening direction D_(T) during eachsuccessive engagement between the first pawl 458 (e.g., first pawl teeth498) and the teeth 496 of the ratchet mechanism 494 to therebyincrementally increase the tension applied to lateral and medialtensioning strands 316, 318 of the tensioning element 312 for tighteningthe fit of the interior void 102 around the foot as the upper 100 movesinto the tightened state. More particularly, because each of the lateraltensioning strand 316 and the medial tensioning strand 318 of thetensioning element 312 is connected to and disposed within the firstchannel 488 of the spool 456, each of the tensioning strands 316, 318will be wound and unwound by the spool 456 at the same rate, providingsubstantially uniform tightness of the upper 100 around the foot.

In some examples, the release cord 404 operably connects to the anchorpost 510 of the first pawl 458 to selectively disengage the first pawl458 from the teeth 496 of the ratchet mechanism 494 when a predeterminedrelease force F_(R) is applied to the release cord 404. When the secondpawl 460 is engaged with the control surface 518, the second pawl 460 isoperative to control the rotational speed of the spool 456 in the seconddirection D_(S2) such that the adjustment elements 312, 314 do notbecome tangled when collected (e.g., wound) or released (e.g., unwound)from respective ones of the first channel 488 and the second channel 490of the spool 456 during rotation in the second direction D_(S2). In someconfigurations, the second pawl 460 includes two cam surfaces thatremain engaged with respective ones of two control surfaces 518 when thefirst pawl 458 remains disengaged from the teeth 496 (i.e., when thetensioning device 400 b is operable in the unlocked state). Each controlsurface 518 may be axially disposed on an opposite side of the ratchetmechanism 494 such that the teeth 496 are disposed between the controlsurfaces 518 and protrude radially inward therefrom.

Referring to FIG. 20, the first pawl 458 is biased into engagement withthe plurality of teeth 496 of the ratchet mechanism 494 when thetensioning device 400 b is in the locked state. Here, the first pawl 458pivots and rotates about the first pawl axis of rotation A_(FP) in thefirst direction D_(FP1) such that the teeth 498 of the first pawl 458engage with the teeth 496 of the ratchet mechanism 494. In someexamples, the first pawl 458 includes a tactile protrusion 520configured to engage with the tactile domes 476 to provide the “click”indicating the incremental change of position in the spool 456 duringeach successive engagement between the first pawl 458 and the teeth 496.

Referring to FIG. 21, a first end 406 of the release cord 404 isattached to the anchor post 510 of the first pawl 458 to allow therelease cord 404 to selectively disengage the first pawl 458 from theteeth 496 of the ratchet mechanism 494 when the predetermined releaseforce F_(R) is applied to the release cord 404. For example, a user maygrasp the release grip 410 of the release cord 404 and apply thepredetermined force F_(R) to disengage the first pawl 458 from the teeth496 of the ratchet mechanism 494. Here, the predetermined force F_(R)overcomes the biasing force of the first pawl spring 502 to allow thefirst pawl 458 to rotate about the first pawl axis of rotation A_(FP) ina second direction D_(FP2). Additionally, the tactile protrusion 520 mayengage with the tactile dome 476 to provide the “click” when thepredetermined force F_(R) moves to the first pawl 458 out of engagementwith the teeth 496 to transition the tensioning device 400 b to theunlocked state.

FIG. 21 shows the tensioning device 400 b in the unlocked stateresponsive to the release cord 404 selectively disengaging the firstpawl 458 from the teeth 496 of the ratchet mechanism 494 when thepredetermined force F_(R) is applied to the release cord 404. While thetensioning device 400 b is in the unlocked state with the first pawl 458disengaged from the teeth 496 of the ratchet mechanism 494, the spool456 is permitted to rotate in the second direction D_(S2) to allow thetensioning element 312 to move in the loosening direction D_(L) when theloosening force F_(L) is applied to the tensioning element 312. In someexamples, the first channel 488 of the spool 456 collects the tensioningelement 312 while the second channel 490 of the spool 456 simultaneouslyreleases the control element 314 as the spool 456 rotates in the seconddirection D_(S2). Accordingly, movement of the control element 314 inthe loosening direction D_(L) allows an effective length of thetensioning element 312 to increase to allow the tensioning strands 316,318 to relax and thereby facilitate a transition of the upper 100 fromthe tightened state to the loosened state such that a foot can beremoved from the interior void 102.

Referring back to FIG. 17, the lid 462 and the housing 402 b of thetensioning device 400 b may each include a hub 522 configured to supportthe first pawl axle 500 of the first pawl 458. The lid 462 may also eachinclude an elongate channel 524 that cooperates with the elongatechannel 484 of the housing 402 b to allow the anchor post 510 of thefirst pawl 458 to freely rotate relative to the housing 402 b and thelid 462 when the first pawl 458 pivots about the first pawl axis ofrotation A_(FP) in either the first direction D_(FP1) or the seconddirection D_(FP2).

In use, the article of footwear 10 a can be selectively moved between atightened state and a relaxed state using the tensioning system 300 a.With the footwear 10 a initially provided in a relaxed state, aneffective length of the tensioning element 312 will be maximized, suchthat the first cable is in a relaxed state about the upper 100, while aneffective length of the control element 314 is minimized as the controlelement 314 is wound about the spool 456 of the tensioning device 400 b.Accordingly, a foot of a user can be inserted into the interior void 102of the footwear 10 a with the materials of the upper 100 allowing theupper 100 to stretch to accommodate the foot therein.

With the foot of the user inserted within the interior void 102 of theupper 100, the tensioning system 300 a can be moved to a tightened stateby the user to secure the footwear 10 a to the foot. As discussed above,the tensioning system 300 a is moved to the tightened state by applyinga tightening force F_(T) to the tightening grip 340, thereby causing thecontrol element 314 to move in the tightening direction D_(T). As thecontrol element 314 moves in the tightening direction D_(T), the spool456 rotates in the first direction D_(S1) and the control element 314 isunwound from the second channel 490. Simultaneously, the tensioningelement 312 is wound up within the first channel 488, thereby causingthe tensioning element 312 to be retracted within the tensioning device400 b. Accordingly, an effective length of the tensioning element 312 isminimized around the upper 100 to move the upper 100 to a tightenedstate around the foot.

Prior to, during, or after movement of the tensioning system 300 a tothe tightened state, the biasing force of the first pawl spring 502 maymove the first pawl 458 to the locked position when the release forceF_(R) applied to the release cord 404 is overcome by the first pawlspring 502. When the tensioning device 400 b is in the locked state, theteeth 496 of the spool 456 are engaged by the teeth 498 of the firstpawl 458 to prevent the spool 456 from rotating in the second directionD_(S2) (i.e., the loosening direction D_(L)). Accordingly, thetensioning device 400 b maintains the tensioning system 300 a in thetightened state as long as the tensioning device 400 b remains in thelocked position.

When a user desires to remove the article of footwear 10 a from thefoot, the tensioning system 300 a may be moved to the loosened state toallow the upper 100 to be relaxed around the foot. Initially, thetensioning device 400 b must be moved to the unlocked state by applyinga sufficient release force F_(R) to overcome the biasing force of thefirst pawl spring 502. When the release force F_(R) overcomes thebiasing force, the teeth 498 of the first pawl 458 will disengage fromthe teeth 496 of the spool 456, thereby allowing the spool 456 to rotatein the second direction D_(S2).

A loosening force F_(L) may be applied to the tensioning element 312 bythe user to move the first cable in the loosening direction D_(L),thereby maximizing the effective length of the tensioning element 312 toallow the upper 100 to be relaxed. In the illustrated example, theloosening force F_(L) may be applied indirectly to the tensioningelement 312 by pulling the anterior end 12 of the upper 100 in adownward direction, whereby the interior void 102 is forced open toremove the foot. Alternatively, the tensioning element 312 may beprovided with one or more loosening grips (not shown) to allow the userto apply the loosening force F_(T) directly to the tensioning element312.

As the tensioning element 312 moves in the loosening direction D_(L),the spool 456 rotates in the second direction D_(S2) and the tensioningelement 312 is unwound from the first channel 488. As the tensioningelement 312 is unwound, the effective length of the tensioning element312 increases and the tensioning strands 316, 318 are relaxed, allowingthe first strap 116 and the second strap 118 to relax about the upper100. Simultaneously, the control element 314 is wound up within thesecond channel 490, thereby causing the control element 314 to beretracted within the tensioning device 400 b. Accordingly, an effectivelength of the control element 314 is minimized.

FIG. 22 illustrates generally a block diagram of components of anexample of a motorized tensioning device 400 of the article of footwear10 of FIGS. 1-4. The schematic includes some, but not necessarily all,components of a motorized tensioning system, including a lacing engine401, a receptacle 532 (FIG. 26), and the underlying footwear 10. Themotorized tensioning device 400 as illustrated includes interfacebuttons 534, interface button actuators 536, a foot presence sensor 538,and a lacing engine housing 402 enclosing a main PCB 540 and a userinterface PCB 542. The user interface PCB 542 includes the buttons 534,one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) 544 which may illuminate thebutton actuators 536 or otherwise provide illumination visible outsideof the article of footwear 10, an optical encoder unit 546, and an LEDdriver 548 which may provide power to the LEDs 544. The main PCB 540includes a processor circuit 550, electronic data storage 552, a batterycharging circuit 554, a wireless transceiver 556, one or more sensors558, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and the like, and a motordriver 560.

The lacing engine 401 further includes the foot presence sensor 538,such as a capacitive sensor, a motor 562, a transmission 564, a spool566, a battery or power source 568, and a charging coil 570. Theprocessor circuit 550 is configured with instructions from theelectronic data storage 552 to cause the motor driver 560 to activatethe motor 562 to turn the spool 566 by way of the transmission 564 inorder to place a desired amount of tension on a cable 302 wound aboutthe spool 566. The processor circuit 550 may receive inputs from avariety of sources, including the foot presence sensor 538, the sensors558, and the buttons 534 to decide, according to the instructions, toincrease or decrease the tension on the cable 302. For instance, thefoot presence sensor 538 may detect the presence of a foot in thefootwear 10, and the processor circuit 552 may set the tension to apresent tension level. The sensors 558 may detect movement consistentwith a particular activity level, e.g., causal walking, a vigorousphysical activity, etc., and the processor circuit 550 may cause thetension to be set to a level consistent with that activity level, e.g.,relatively loose for casual walking and relatively tight for vigorousphysical activity. A user may press the button actuators 536 to manuallycommand an incremental or linear increase or decrease in tension, asdesired.

The battery 568 provides power for the components of the lacing engine401 in general and is, in the example embodiment, a rechargeablebattery. However, alternative power sources, such as non-rechargeablebatteries, super capacitors, and the like, are also contemplated. In theillustrated example, the battery 568 is coupled to the charging circuit554 and the recharge coil 570. When the recharge coil 570 is placed inproximity of an external charger 574, a charging circuit 576 mayenergize a transmit coil 578 to inductively induce a current in therecharge coil 570, which is then utilized by the charging circuit 554 torecharge the battery 568. Alternative recharging mechanisms arecontemplated, such as a piezoelectric generator located within thefootwear 10.

The wireless transceiver 556 is configured to communicate wirelesslywith a remote user device 580, such as a smartphone, wearable device,tablet computer, personal computer, and the like. In the illustratedexample, the wireless transceiver 556 is configured to communicateaccording to the Bluetooth Low Energy modality, though the wirelesstransceiver 556 may communicate according to any suitable wirelessmodality, including near field communication (NFC), 802.11 WiFi, and thelike. Moreover, the wireless transceiver 556 may be configured tocommunicate with multiple external user devices 580 and/or according tomultiple different wireless modalities. The wireless transceiver 556 mayreceive instructions from the user device 580, e.g., using anapplication operating on the user device 580, for controlling the lacingengine 401, including to enter pre-determined modes of operation or toincrementally or linearly increase or decrease the tension on the cable302. The wireless transceiver 556 may further transmit information aboutthe lacing engine 401 to the user device 580, e.g., an amount of tensionon the cable 302 or otherwise an orientation of the spool 566, an amountof charge remaining on the battery 568, and any other desiredinformation about the lacing engine 401 generally.

FIG. 23 is an exploded view of an example of a lacing engine 401 c for amotorized tensioning device. The lacing engine 401 c includes thehousing 402, which includes an upper portion 419 c and a base portion420 c, which enclose the lacing engine 401 c generally, except forcertain components which are exterior of the housing 402. Thosecomponents include the button actuators 536 (and related O-rings 582 forprotecting the lacing engine 401 c against environmental conditions,such as moisture), the spool 566, which is secured to the transmission564 via a setscrew 584 and which is enclosed with the lid 414 c, and adielectric foam 586 of the foot presence sensor 538. Enclosed within thehousing 402 is the main PCB 540, the user interface PCB 542, the motor562, the transmission 564, the battery 568, the recharge coil 570, andan electrode 588 and foam 586 of the foot presence sensor 538. Theoptical encoder unit 546 is shown in FIG. 19, and is partially visiblein the exploded view of FIG. 23. Specifically, a three-dimensionalencoder 592 of the optical encoder unit 546 is coupled to the motor 562and turns with the turning of the motor 562.

FIGS. 24A and 24B are a depiction of a lacing engine housing 402 d andlid 414 d for another example of a lacing engine 401 d. The lacingengine housing 402 d and the lid 414 d may be utilized as the housing402 and the lid 414, respectively, in the block diagram of FIG. 22. Thelacing engine housing 402 d may be sized to enclose the lacing engine401 d or any suitable lacing engine. The lacing engine housing 402 dincludes tabs 600 that mate, e.g., via snap-fit, with pins 602 on thelid 414 d to form hinges 604 about which the lid 414 d may rotaterelative to the housing 402 d.

FIG. 24A illustrates the lid 414 d in an open configuration, with thespool 566 d exposed and the cable 302 (not pictured) either accessibleor able to be placed in the lace groove. FIG. 24B illustrates the lid414 d in a closed configuration, with the tabs 606 snapped into place ona side of the housing 402 d. In the closed configuration, the lid 414 dmay tend to restrain the cable 302 within the lace groove.

The housing 402 d and lid 414 d may be made of any suitable material,including plastic or other polymer and metal, as appropriate. Thehousing 402 d and/or the housing 402 d and lid 414 d together mayprovide at least some isolation for the lacing engine 401 d againstenvironmental conditions, such as moisture or sweat, as well as againstforces that may be exerted against the housing 402 d, including impactsand mechanical stresses. The housing 402 d may also be placed within asleeve or other structure that may provide for environmental isolation.

As illustrated, the housing 402 d includes apertures 608 to allow lightemitted from the LEDs 208 to be visible outside of the housing 402 d. Inthe illustrated example, two of the apertures 608 align with the tabs606.

FIG. 25A is a perspective view illustration of a motorized tensioningdevice 400 e having anti-tangle lacing channel 612, for the lacingengine 401 e in an example embodiment. FIG. 25B is a top view of themotorized tensioning device 400 e of FIG. 25A showing a winding channel614 extending through a modular spool 566 e and aligned with lacingchannel 612 through housing structure 402 e. Similar to the spool 566discussed above, the modular spool 566 e provides a storage location fora lace, such as cable 302, when modular spool 566 e is wound to cinchthe cable 302 down on an article of footwear upper. The modular spool566 e can be assembled from an assortment of components, such as anupper plate 616 and a lower plate 618.

The modular spool 566 e can be positioned within a spool recess 620 ofthe lacing channel 612. The lacing channel 612 is shaped to optimize orimprove performance of modular spool 566 e in winding and unwindingcable 302 from housing structure 402 e. In particular, as discussedbelow, the lacing channel 612 can include lace channel transitions 622,and other shapes, geometries and surfaces, that can help prevent cable302 from jamming within the spool recess 620. Such jamming can be theresult of cable backlash (i.e., bird's nesting) during winding/unwindingof the cable 302. The lace channel transitions 622 can provide lacingchannel 612 with adequate volume to store the cable 302 without havingto compress or entangle the cable 302.

An example lacing engine 401 e can include an upper component 419 e anda lower component 420 e of housing structure 402 e, case screws 624, thelacing channel 612 (also referred to as lace guide relief 612), lacechannel walls 626, lace channel transitions 622, a spool recess 620,button openings 628, the buttons 534, a button membrane seal 632, aprogramming header 634, modular spool 566 e, and the winding channel(lace grove) 614.

The housing structure 402 e is configured to provide a compact lacingengine for insertion into a sole of an article of footwear, as describedherein, for example. The case screws 624 can be used to the hold theupper component 419 e and the lower component 420 e in engagement.Together, upper component 419 e and lower component 420 e provide aninterior space for placement of components of the motorized tensioningdevice 400, such as components of the modular spool 566 e and motor 562.The lace channel walls 626 can be shaped to guide the cable 302 into andout of the housing structure 402 e and the lace channel transitions 622can be shaped to guide lace into and out of modular spool 566 e. In anexample, the lace channel walls 626 extend generally parallel to themajor axis of the lacing channel 612, while the lace channel transitions622 extend oblique to the major axis of the lacing channel 612 inextending between the lace channel walls 626 and the spool recess 620.The spool recess 620 can comprise a partial cylindrical socket forreceiving modular spool 566 e.

The cable 302 can be positioned to extend into the lacing channel 612and the winding channel 614. As the modular spool 566 e is rotated bythe motor 562, the cable 302 is wound around a drum between the upperplate 616 and the lower plate 618. The buttons 534 can extend throughthe button openings 628 and can be used to actuate the motor 562 torotate the modular spool 566 e in clockwise and counterclockwisedirections. The programming header 634 can permit the main circuit board540 of the lacing engine 401 e to be connected to external computingsystems in order to characterize the lacing action provided by thebuttons 534 and the operation of motor 562, for example.

FIG. 26 is an exploded view illustration of components of a motorizedtensioning device 400 for the article of footwear 10 of FIGS. 1-4. Whilethe motorized tensioning device 400 is described with respect to thearticle of footwear 10, it is to be recognized and understood that theprinciples described with respect to the article of footwear 10 applyequally well to any of a variety of wearable articles. The tensioningdevice 400 illustrated in FIG. 26 includes a lacing engine 401 e havingthe housing 402 e, the lid 414 e, an actuator 530, and a receptacle 532.However, other examples of the lacing engine 401 c, 401 d may also beincorporated in the tensioning device 400.

FIG. 26 illustrates the basic assembly sequence of components of themotorized tensioning device 400 in conjunction with an example of thesole structure 200 of the article of footwear 10. The tensioning device400 starts with the receptacle 532 being secured within the cavity 214of the sole structure 200. Next, the actuator 530 is inserted into anopening in the lateral side of the receptacle 532 opposite to theinterface buttons 534 that can be embedded in the sole structure 200.Next, the lacing engine 401 c-401 e is dropped into a lacing enginecavity of the receptacle 532. In various examples that do not includethe receptacle 532, the lacing engine 401 c-401 e may be receiveddirectly in the cavity 214 of the sole structure 200. In an example, thetensioning device 400 is inserted under a continuous loop of the cable302 and the cable 302 is aligned with a spool in the lacing engine 401.Finally, the lid 414 c-414 e is inserted into grooves in the receptacle532, secured into a closed position, and latched into a recess in thereceptacle 532. The lid 414 c-414 e can capture the lacing engine 401and can assist in maintaining alignment of a lacing cable duringoperation.

The following Clauses provide an exemplary configuration for an articleof footwear described above.

Clause 1: An article of footwear including an upper, a first strapextending from a first fixed end attached at a first side of the upperto a first free end on a second side of the upper, and a second strapextending from a second fixed end attached at the second side of theupper to a second free end on the first side of the upper, a firstportion of the first strap overlapping a first portion of the secondstrap and a second portion of the first strap overlapped by a secondportion of the second strap.

Clause 2: The article of footwear of Clause 1, wherein the first portionof the first strap is parallel to the second portion of the first strap.

Clause 3: The article of footwear of Clause 1 or 2, wherein the firstportion of the second strap is parallel to the second portion of thesecond strap.

Clause 4: The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 1-3, wherein thefirst portion of the first strap is a first band extending from a firstend at the first fixed end to a second end at the first free end, andthe second portion of the first strap is a second band extending from afirst end at the first fixed end to a second end at the first free end.

Clause 5: The article of footwear of Clause 4, wherein the second end ofthe first band is attached to the second end of the second band at thefirst free end of the first strap.

Clause 6: The article of footwear of Clause 4, wherein the first end ofthe first band and the first end of the second band are separatelyattached at the first side of the upper.

Clause 7: The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 1-6, wherein thefirst free end of the first strap and the first free end of the secondstrap are each attached to a tensioning element operable to selectivelyapply a tightening force to the first free end of the first strap andthe first free end of the second strap.

Clause 8: The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 1-7, wherein thefirst fixed end and the second fixed end are attached in a mid-footregion of the upper.

Clause 9: The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 1-8, wherein thefirst strap and the second strap extend over a mid-foot region of theupper.

Clause 10: The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 1-8, wherein awidth of the first strap tapers from the first fixed end to the firstfree end.

Clause 11: An article of footwear including an upper, a cable routedalong the upper and operable between a tightened state and a loosenedstate, a first strap including a first plurality of bands each extendingfrom a first end attached at a first side of the upper to a second endattached to a first portion of the cable on a second side of the upper,and a second strap including a second plurality of bands each extendingfrom a first end attached at the second side of the upper to a secondend attached to a second portion of the cable on the first side of theupper, the first plurality of bands of the first strap interweaved withthe second plurality of bands of the second strap and operable to movethrough the second plurality of bands when the cable is moved betweenthe tightened state and the loosened state.

Clause 12: The article of footwear of Clause 11, wherein bands of thefirst plurality of bands are parallel to each other.

Clause 13: The article of footwear of Clause 11 or 12, wherein bands ofthe second plurality of bands are parallel to each other.

Clause 14: The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 11-13, whereinthe second ends of the first plurality of bands are attached to eachother.

Clause 15: The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 11-14, whereinthe first ends of each of the first plurality of bands are separatelyattached at the first side of the upper.

Clause 16: The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 11-15, whereinthe first ends of the first plurality of bands and the first ends of thesecond plurality of bands are attached in a mid-foot region of theupper.

Clause 17: The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 11-16, whereinthe first strap and the second strap extend over a mid-foot region ofthe upper.

Clause 18: The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 11-17, whereina width of the first strap tapers from the first ends to the secondends.

Clause 19: The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 11-18, furthercomprising a sole structure attached to the upper and tensioning devicedisposed within the sole structure and operable to selectively move thecable between the tightened state and the loosened state.

Clause 20: The article of footwear of Clause 19, wherein the cableincludes a first strand forming the first portion of the cable and asecond strand forming the second portion of the cable, the first strandand the second strand routed through the tensioning device.

The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustrationand description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit thedisclosure. Individual elements or features of a particularconfiguration are generally not limited to that particularconfiguration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can beused in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown ordescribed. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations arenot to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of thedisclosure.

1. An article of footwear comprising: an upper; a first strap extendingfrom a first fixed end attached at a first side of the upper to a firstfree end on a second side of the upper; and a second strap extendingfrom a second fixed end attached at the second side of the upper to asecond free end on the first side of the upper, a first portion of thefirst strap overlapping a first portion of the second strap and a secondportion of the first strap overlapped by a second portion of the secondstrap.
 2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the first portionof the first strap is parallel to the second portion of the first strapproximate to the first free end.
 3. The article of footwear of claim 1,wherein the first portion of the second strap is parallel to the secondportion of the second strap proximate to the second free end.
 4. Thearticle of footwear of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the firststrap is a first band extending from a first end at the first fixed endto a second end at the first free end, and the second portion of thefirst strap is a second band extending from a first end at the firstfixed end to a second end at the first free end.
 5. The article offootwear of claim 4, wherein the second end of the first band isattached to the second end of the second band at the first free end ofthe first strap.
 6. The article of footwear of claim 4, wherein thefirst end of the first band and the first end of the second band areseparately attached at the first side of the upper.
 7. The article offootwear of claim 1, wherein the first free end of the first strap andthe first free end of the second strap are attached to a tensioningelement operable to selectively apply a tightening force to the firstfree end of the first strap and the first free end of the second strap.8. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the first fixed end andthe second fixed end are attached in a mid-foot region of the upper. 9.The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the first strap and thesecond strap extend over a mid-foot region of the upper.
 10. The articleof footwear of claim 1, wherein a width of the first strap tapers fromthe first fixed end to the first free end.
 11. An article of footwearcomprising: an upper; a cable routed along the upper and operablebetween a tightened state and a loosened state; a first strap includinga first plurality of bands each extending from a first end attached at afirst side of the upper to a second end attached to a first portion ofthe cable on a second side of the upper; and a second strap including asecond plurality of bands each extending from a first end attached atthe second side of the upper to a second end attached to a secondportion of the cable on the first side of the upper, the first pluralityof bands of the first strap interweaved with the second plurality ofbands of the second strap and operable to move through the secondplurality of bands when the cable is moved between the tightened stateand the loosened state.
 12. The article of footwear of claim 11, whereinbands of the first plurality of bands converge toward one another at thesecond end of the first strap.
 13. The article of footwear of claim 11,wherein bands of the second plurality of bands converge toward oneanother at the second end of the second strap.
 14. The article offootwear of claim 11, wherein the second ends of the first plurality ofbands are attached to each other.
 15. The article of footwear of claim11, wherein the first ends of each of the first plurality of bands areseparately attached at the first side of the upper.
 16. The article offootwear of claim 11, wherein the first ends of the first plurality ofbands and the first ends of the second plurality of bands are attachedin a mid-foot region of the upper.
 17. The article of footwear of claim11, wherein the first strap and the second strap extend over a mid-footregion of the upper.
 18. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein awidth of the first strap tapers from the first ends to the second ends.19. The article of footwear of claim 11, further comprising a solestructure attached to the upper and a tensioning device disposed withinthe sole structure and operable to selectively move the cable betweenthe tightened state and the loosened state.
 20. The article of footwearof claim 19, wherein the cable includes a first strand forming the firstportion of the cable and a second strand forming the second portion ofthe cable, the first strand and the second strand being routed throughthe tensioning device.